A Newcastle social club may be demolished as part of a housing scheme in a city suburb.

Councillors have approved plans by Persimmon Homes for 64 flats and 18 town houses on old railway sidings at the corner of Chillingham Road and Hartford Street in Heaton.

The development threatens the demolition of Heaton Junction Social Club which has 400 members including many local residents.

The club which is on land owned by Network Rail is asking to be included in the new development.

But planning officials warned councillors that the threat to the club was not a valid reason for refusing the application.

Plans by a city businessman for a nightclub and restaurant in old railway arches in Trafalgar Street, part of the former Manors station close to Newcastle city centre, were also deferred by councillors.